7 things you need to know

As part of our service we’re committed to helping you manage your debts. This also includes a mandatory review to make sure that the advice we initially recommended is still suitable for your circumstances.

What happens next?

You’ll receive an invitation prompting you to arrange a suitable time so that we can contact you. Our review team are available between 8am and 8pm Monday to Thursday and 8am till 5.30pm on Fridays. Let us know a time that’s convenient and we’ll call you, or get in touch on 0330 102 0170.

Do I need to be worried? Is there a cost?

There’s absolutely no need to worry. This is an important part of the service we offer, and there’s no additional charge as it’s already included in your monthly fee.

The review is an opportunity to ensure that the plan is up to date with your outgoings, family choices and lifestyle. More importantly, it’s an opportunity to confirm that the plan is still the right debt management path for you.

Everything is fine – so why do I need to have a review?

We always look to deliver a leading service to our customers. The only way we can do this is by getting direct feedback on how your plan is working.

We also need to get in touch as we are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). They define it as a regulatory requirement to review your plan, with you, at least once a year.

If we are unable to speak to you, to review your plan, then we may be forced to close your debt management plan – this could result in creditors contacting you directly. We will make every attempt to contact you when your plan is due for a review.

What do I need to do now?

Get in touch to confirm a time for your review. To help you prepare we’ve put together some information that you should find useful.

What you need for your review?

We always advise customers to have up to date information about any outgoings, income, debts, creditor details and reference numbers. Rather than rely on your old budget, it’s often easier to check that things are correct by going through it afresh.

Useful documents that you may need

Everyone is different. So it’s hard to provide an exhaustive list. The following should give you an idea of what you’ll need:

Wage slips, benefit statements, pensions, windfalls, a record of any board you receive from lodgers and child maintenance

If you’re paid overtime or bonuses remember that it’s best not to include these in your monthly income unless they are guaranteed

If your income differs each month try to work out your average wage

Everything should be shown ‘per calendar month’ to keep your budget consistent. There aren’t four weeks in every month so if it’s a weekly amount multiply it by 52 then divide by 12.

Your bank, building society and savings account statements are always useful to have. Statements from your relevant providers will also help you to identify things like:

Board, rent or mortgage payments

Gas, electricity, water, broadband, TV, mobile and landline expenses

Any insurance like car, travel, home, buildings and contents

If you’re self employed, or otherwise, any insurance you may pay for because of the work you do or job you have

Any prescriptions you have for medicines, contact lenses, dental plans, gym, magazines, clubs or hobbies.

We will also go through typical monthly outgoings like:

Food and drink, school meals etc

Council Tax bills

Clothing

Transport costs, including bus, train or vehicle expenses

Entertainment costs you need to budget for.

As we account for all expenses some areas are potentially difficult to budget for so you may want to think about how much these areas may cost and calculate this before we speak to you, these may include:

Hairdressing costs

Clothing costs

Dental/ optical costs

Car MOT/ service costs

Property repairs/servicing costs

If you need help, or if there’s something you don’t understand, you can ask our advisors for help.

What else will you ask me?

Our advisors will help you identify changes to your circumstances. Here are a few to consider in advance:

Have your creditors been in contact and do you have any up to date balances?

Do you or have you had to replace an essential household item or service?

Have your typical monthly household bills and expenditure changed?

Have you had any unexpected or even planned expenses?

Finally…

We work to creditor guidelines and may need to ask further questions if the amounts you give are above or below the guidelines. This is to ensure that your creditors have a clear understanding of the reasons behind the expenditure as they may question these amounts in the future.